Biology

Head of Dept: Mrs K Barnett

Staff in department

Mr P Laird, Miss N McDonagh, Mrs L Steen, Mrs S Stewart, Mrs S Moore, Miss T Donaghy

A Level

  • A level exam board: CCEA
Module% of AS or
A2 grade		How is it assessed?Module Title
AS Module 137.5% of AS
15% of A level		External written exam
1 hour 30 mins at the end of Year 13		Molecules and Cells
AS Module 237.5% of AS
15% of A level		External written exam
1 hour 30 mins at the end of Year 13		Organisms and Biodiversity
AS Module 325% of AS
10% of A level		External written exam assessing practical skills 1 hour+ Internal practical assessmentPractical skills
A2 Module 124% of A levelExternal written examination 2 hours 15 mins at the end of Year 14Physiology, Co-ordination and Control, and Ecosystems
A2 Module 224% of A levelExternal written examination 2 hours 15 mins at the end of Year 14Biochemistry, Genetics and Evolutionary Trends
A2 Module 312% of A levelExternal written examination assessing practical skills
+ 1 hour 15 mins Internal practical assessment		Practical skills

GCSE

GCSE% of GCSE gradeHow is it assessed?Unit title
Unit 135%External written exam Foundation Tier: 1 hour 15 mins. Higher Tier: 1 hour 30 minsCells, Living Processes and Biodiversity
Unit 240%External written exam Foundation Tier: 1 hour 15 mins. Higher Tier: 1 hour 30 minsBody Systems, Genetics, Microorganisms and Health
Unit 325%Booklet A: Students carry out two pre-released practicals

Booklet B: External written examination		Practical Skills

KS3: Brief topic overview

Year 8
Taught as Combined Science. Biology topics involved are Classification, Cells and Respiration, Reproduction, Working as A Scientist.

Year 9
Plant Reproduction, Photosynthesis, Food and Digestion, Genes and DNA, Food Chains and Food Webs, Pollution and Conservation, Water and Living Organisms, Biology and Careers.

Year 10
Food and Energy, Circulation, Enzymes, Microbiology, Nervous system.